March News: Not the month any of us expected!

Reacting to the Coronavirus

This month has been a difficult one as we have seen the impacts of the coronavirus in the U.S. and across the globe. It has seemingly affected every industry, every city, and every group of people around the world, and Faith Ministry has been no exception. We have suspended all mission work group visits until early May and have scaled back our programs in Reynosa and Miguel Alemán to protect our staff, our volunteers, and the community. You can read our full updates regarding the coronavirus here: https://faithministry.org/blog/coronavirus/.

We have continued to serve the community in the safest way possible because we know that many families in our area are even more vulnerable during times of crisis. We have transitioned our nutrition programs to “grab and go” style, and we have used this as an opportunity to further teach children about sanitation and hygiene. We have put together and distributed hygiene kits and grocery packages for families in our community, as well as our staff and volunteers, to help them get through this time and stay healthy and fed. We also have staff working to sew protective masks for those who need them most. We are also committed to continuing to pay all of our staff in Reynosa, Miguel Alemán, and McAllen during this time, regardless if they are working or not, in addition to financially supporting our long-term volunteers.

Distant does not mean disconnected. We may be physically apart right now, but we know that we are united in our hearts, in the love we have for one another, and in the love God has for us. To remember that we are all in this together, click here for a special Unidos, Unidos sing-along with Pastor Carlos in Reynosa!

A Visit from our Board of Directors

At the beginning of this month, before social distancing practices were put in place, we had a visit from our Board of Directors! The Board is a group of 12 people from across the U.S. who guide the ministry and advise the staff, and twice a year, they come to the border to visit the staff, meet as a group, and make plans and brainstorm ideas for Faith Ministry. During this visit, in addition to the main meeting, they visited Reynosa and Naranjito to see new land behind our main complex, improvements at the garden, and progress at the Deantin community center, and they joined with the adults, youth, and kids from the Naranjito church for a delicious meal. Our Board president Tom also presented Pastor Carlos with the keys to the “new-to-them” church van, a previous mission work group van that will now be used church activities. We are so appreciative of the Board’s efforts, guidance, and encouragement!

Mission Work Groups

Another pre-social distancing activity this month was hosting a mission work group from Indiana with two special friends from Scotland! They built Casa #3 for a family in Reynosa, worked in the Naranjito garden, reunited with their old friends, and made new friendships. It was so great being with them!

As we mentioned above, all mission work groups through early May have been suspended, which was a decision made by the staff, Board of Directors, and group leaders for the health and safety of our staff, our local volunteers, and the groups.

However, fewer groups means less funding to allow us to serve the community, and right now, our community needs our help more than ever. If you are willing and feel called, please consider sending a donation to help us continue making a difference in this time of crisis. You can give online at faithministry.org/give or by sending a check payable to Faith Ministry to PO Box 756, McAllen, TX 78505. We appreciate your friendship and your support!

Grill with David!

All of us are looking for ways to distract ourselves from the news and pass the time, so join us this Friday on Facebook live for a virtual cookout with David! He’ll be grilling up some favorites, like cheese tostadas and Mexican elote (corn), and chatting with all of you. We’ll post the “menu” with ingredients on Facebook this week, so if you’re able to, you can grill along with him! Tune in at 6pm Central (7pm Eastern) on Friday, April 3, to our Facebook page – we’ll see you there!

Prayer Requests

We believe in the power of prayer, so please join us in praying for:

Praise! Nancy, the wife of our executive director David, had some health struggles last month, but she is doing much better now.

Those who are on the front lines of the coronavirus, including doctors, nurses, and medical professionals, and those who are still working to make sure our daily lives run smoothly, including delivery drivers, grocery store employees, and farmworkers

Those who are particularly vulnerable during this time, including families living in poverty, individuals who have lost their jobs, and people whose health is at high risk

Everyone around the world as we endure this time of uncertainty together; we know that God is in control and that is too shall pass